Danny Cipriani signs Sale contract in bid to win England World Cup spot

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/19/danny-cipriani-sale-sharks-new-contract-rejects-toulon

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The England fly-half Danny Cipriani has signed a new two-year contract with Sale Sharks. Cipriani had been considering a lucrative offer to join the European champions Toulon but the 27-year-old has committed his future to the Premiership club.

He had begun talks with Sale about an extended contract before Christmas, and said: “I am delighted to have put pen to paper at last and signed the new deal. It’s a quality set-up and the future looks great at the club with some exciting times ahead. One of the main reasons I signed was that we’ve got a tight squad and it embraces new talent.

“It’s also an environment that makes you feel very welcome so, as I say, I’m really thrilled about signing and looking forward to the future.”

Cipriani’s decision to shun a move to France comes as he seeks to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad.

The London-born back, who joined Sale in 2012 from Melbourne Rebels having started his career at Wasps, made his first Six Nations appearance since 2008 on Saturday, coming off the bench to score a try as England defeated Italy 47-17.

Cipriani was brought back into the fold by the England head coach, Stuart Lancaster, last summer after six years in the international wilderness and has been handed another chance to impress in the Six Nations.

The fly-half, whose prolonged exile was down to injuries, form and rows with the former England head coach Martin Johnson, said after the Italy win that he never wanted to lose his international place again and his commitment to Sale is proof of that.

With England having a policy of selecting overseas-based stars only in exceptional circumstances, Cipriani would have effectively ended his World Cup chances by moving to France.

Aside from Toulon, Cipriani had also attracted attention from rival Premiership clubs, and the Sale director of rugby, Steve Diamond, is delighted the player is staying at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Diamond said: “The fact Danny has signed his new deal and committed to Sale is a major statement for everybody. Danny is a top quality player and he’s been a very big part in our success over the past year or so.

“He’s also been very happy living here in Manchester and everyone at the club is absolutely delighted he is staying at the club and will be a big part of our plans going forward.”